Okanagan MP pushes for alternate route to Highway 97
An Okanagan MP is asking the federal government about improving a forest service road so it can be an alternative to Highway 97.
Conservative MP for Okanagan Lake West-South Kelowna, Dan Albas, brought the issue of an alternative route through the Okanagan to Ottawa during question period today, Sept. 26.
Highway 97 has been shut down for landslides, wildfires, and even a bomb threat on the William R. Bennett Bridge. Albas wants federal support to improve Forest Service Road 201 so it can be a reliable backup route in case of emergencies where the highway is shut down, according to a release from Albas.
“When Highway 97 shuts down due to landslides, wildfires or serious accidents, Okanagan residents — including cancer patients and essential workers — are stranded,” Albas said. “Many are forced onto dangerous, poorly marked forest roads like FSR 201. Upgrading this route will give families, businesses, and first responders a dependable alternative.”
The most notable closure in recent years was the landslide near Summerland that shut the highway down in 2023. Work to stabilize that section of highway is still ongoing.
Albas is trying to get the federal government to repay the province for half of the $23.2 million stabilization project so the provincial government can use that money to upgrade FSR 201.
“Our government is always committed to working with provinces to ensure that Canadian residents are safe. We look forward to ongoing discussions in this regard continuing so that we can find a solution that works for everyone,” Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Jennifer McKelvie said in response to Albas during the question period.
BC Conservative MLAs have called for highway improvements and alternate routes earlier this year.
When the Drought Hill wildfire near Peachland caused a closure in late July, Penticton's mayor Julius Bloomfield said that upgrading Forest Service Road 201 was a priority to make sure folks in the Okanagan have reliable transportation, especially in case of an emergency.
“Every time Highway 97 is closed, there is an impact and it hurts our citizens,” Albas said.
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